Heroin Abuse

Heroin, a member of the opiate family, is a pain killing drug that is made from the opium poppy. Before it is exported from its various countries of origin, it is processed from raw opium into a brown powder that is approximately 70% pure heroin. It is then mixed with several chemicals such as acetic anhydride and hydrochloric acid and is dried and sieved.

Heroin is manufactured in laboratories in remote areas using simple equipment, where it is packaged into brick form for shipment. Small amounts of this narcotic are smuggled by couriers known as "mules" who either swallow latex balloons filled with heroin or else smuggle the drug in a balloon in a body cavity in the hope that it will not be discovered. This, of course, is extremely dangerous on the part of the couriers as if the balloon were to burst, death from an overdose could occur.

When smoked or injected, this is a fast acting narcotic. Mainlining (direct injection into a vein) creates a sense of euphoria within seven to eight seconds. Injection into a muscle brings on a high within five to eight minutes. Effects of smoking heroin take a few minutes more to reach a slightly lesser high.

While the preferred means of heroin use had been either subcutaneous (skin popping), intramuscular or intravenous, a number of addicts in the United States now snort the drug due to the availability of a purer grade of heroin on the street. Use in the UK remains mainly on the intravenous level or smoking on foil, with very few individuals taking the route of intramuscular or subcutaneous use and even fewer snorting the drug.

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Heroin abusers may find themselves addicted fairly rapidly. Addiction can occur anywhere from three days to one to two weeks of constant use based upon the length of use and the size of the dose used. This drug remains popular because of the intensity of the sensation created and consequently, the habit is hard to kick.

The Meditox Method was adapted specifically for high functioning, motivated people who need individual attention and guidance so they can free themselves from chemical addictions while continuing with their lives.

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